UAM librarian among Emerging Leaders
LaShonda Campbell, the collection development librarian for the Fred J. Taylor Library and Technology Center at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, has been named to the 2025 class of Emerging Leaders by the American Library Association.
She is one of only 46 librarians nationwide and one of only two librarians from Arkansas selected for the program, according to a news release.
This six-month program is designed for new library staff and information workers to engage with experts and peers across the country, working on collaborative projects and professional committees in the field of librarianship.
Campbell, who spent 28 years as a judicial law clerk for a circuit judge in Mississippi’s Fourth Circuit Court District, is in her first year working in the library at UAM.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The opportunity to participate in the program aligns with her goals of combining her legal research experience with her passion for librarianship, according to a news release.
The EL program will provide Campbell with opportunities to contribute to national projects, collaborate with library leaders and attend national conferences hosted by the ALA. She will work on a project that she will present during the ALA 2025 annual conference in Philadelphia, Pa., in June.
“This opportunity is not just about being a librarian,” Campbell said. “It’s about leadership in the field. It’s a huge honor to be selected for this program. Being chosen as one of the 46 participants from across the country is both humbling and motivating. This opportunity will allow me to expand my knowledge, grow in my role as a librarian and serve our UAM community even better. I want to be able to help our students and faculty with whatever they need, whether it’s research support, writing assistance or simply recommending a good book.”
Dan Boice is director of the UAM Library.
“LaShonda’s energy and insights have benefited UAM students and improved the library’s services,” Boice said. “It is really gratifying for us to see her fierce determination to excel being recognized at this level.”
Campbell also expressed gratitude to Boice and Annette Vincent, UAM library supervisor, for their support.
“I must give credit to Annette and Dan, who encouraged me to apply and provided invaluable guidance throughout the process. Their support was instrumental in my selection,” she said.
Gillett Coon Supper set Jan. 11
The Gillett Farmers and Businessmen’s Club will host the 81st annual Coon Supper at 6 p.m. Jan. 11 in the Gillett High School Gymnasium.
The Gillett Farmers and Businessmen’s Club is a non-profit and nonpolitical club helps with efforts such as summer programs, school programs, an educational endowment fund, athletic and scholastic awards, and community service, according to a news release.
For the past four years the club has awarded the Gillett Farmers and Businessmen’s Scholarship to graduating seniors from the Gillett area. Each student receives a $4,000 scholarship that encompasses four years. The club continues to use all proceeds from the Coon Supper to fund these scholarships and will award more scholarships to seniors graduating in 2024.
The coon supper is the first and one of the largest events of its type held at the beginning of each new year. The event will be attended by many national, state and local politicians, and people from all over Arkansas and surrounding states.
There will be recognition of the students from Gillett participating in DeWitt High School activities. Coon Supper T-shirts and hats will be available this year.
For ticket information, contact Tyler Place at (870) 830-4422 or write to P.O. Box 577, Gillett, AR, 72055. Details: Wes Long, (870) 830-0160.
Local performs in Advent service
Ze Hoskins of Rison took part in the 67th annual Advent Candlelight Carols Service at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pa., Dec. 7-8.
A graduate of Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts, Hoskins is studying at Muhlenberg and participated as a member of the Muhlenberg College Choir and Muhlenberg Chamber Choir, according to a news release.
Adapted from the Festival of Lessons and Carols of King’s College, Cambridge University in England, the event featured stories of promise, songs of hope and liberation and a reminder of the power of presence and community.